While elections are written into the Constitution, political parties are not. Their usefulness in organizing and competing in elections, as well as organizing Congress, helps explain their longevity. In the above readings I want you to become familiar, first, with Washington's suspicions of political parties (a position he shared with others), then the history of the two dominant parties in existence since 1856, and finally the positions that the two parties take on current issues.
Assignments
For internet students I want you to write three 200 word answers to the following questions:
1 - Explain, and critically evaluate, why Washington was opposed to the development of political parties.
2 - Detail very briefly how the Democratic and Republican parties were established and how they evolved over time.
3 - Outline the similarities and difference in the 2008 platforms of the Democratic and Republican parties.
For lecture students: be prepared to take a quiz on the following terms, names and concepts:
GOVT 2301
Week Ten
Readings, Notes, and Assignment
Political Parties
Readings:
- Washington’s Farewell Address
- History of the Democratic Party
- History of the Republican Party
- 2008 Republican Party Platform
- 2008 Democratic Party Platform.
While elections are written into the Constitution, political parties are not. Their usefulness in organizing and competing in elections, as well as organizing Congress, helps explain their longevity. In the above readings I want you to become familiar, first, with Washington's suspicions of political parties (a position he shared with others), then the history of the two dominant parties in existence since 1856, and finally the positions that the two parties take on current issues.
Assignments
For internet students I want you to write three 200 word answers to the following questions:
1 - Explain, and critically evaluate, why Washington was opposed to the development of political parties.
2 - Detail very briefly how the Democratic and Republican parties were established and how they evolved over time.
3 - Outline the similarities and difference in the 2008 platforms of the Democratic and Republican parties.
For lecture students: be prepared to take a quiz on the following terms, names and concepts:
Also be prepared to answer questions about the following topics: